Although the weekly death toll is at lowest since March 2020, WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tell journalists at the weekly Geneva briefing that “these trends, while welcome, do not tell the whole story.”
Other Sub Variations
South African scientists who identified Omicron late last year have now reported adding two sub-variants of Omicron, BA.4 and BA.5, is the reason why in the cases there.
Although it’s too early to know if the minor variants may cause more severe disease than others related to Omicron, early data suggests that the best way to protect people is still to get vaccinated. strains, along with tried and tested social and public health measures.
“This is another sign that the pandemic is not yet upon us,” Tedros warned.
Solving the ‘bottleneck’
He reiterated that the best way to save lives, protect health systems and reduce cases of “prolonged COVID” is to vaccinate at least 70% of the population of every country – and 100% of most groups. have risk.
While more vaccinations are available, a lack of political commitment, operational capacity issues, financial constraints, misinformation and misinformation, are limiting vaccine demand.
“We call on all countries to address these bottlenecks to protect their people,” said the top WHO official.
Important test
“Testing and sequencing are still absolutely critical“, he continued, noting that both sub-variants were identified because “South Africa is still conducting important gene sequencing that many other countries have stopped”.
Tedros warns that many countries are ignorant of how the virus mutates – not knowing what lies ahead.
And the meager availability and high prices of effective antiviral drugs continue to make them inaccessible in low- and middle-income countries.
“Along with the low investment in early diagnosis, it is unacceptable that during the worst pandemic in a century.Innovative treatments that can save lives are not reaching those who need themThe head of WHO emphasized.
Play with fire
While “we were playing with the fire that continued to burn us”, he said that “Manufacturers are posting record profits“.
WHO advocates fair rewards for innovation, and while ACT Accelerator partners are negotiating lower costs and increased availability, he stressed that “we cannot accept prices that make Lifesaving treatments are available to the rich and the poor.”
“This is a moral failure“.
Ukraine
Tedros informed journalists that he was going to Poland on Thursday, to attend the International Conference of Donors for Ukraine.
“The Health challenges in Ukraine are getting worseespecially in the east of the country,” said, noting that WHO has now verified 186 attacks on healthcare domestic.
He emphasized the importance of humanitarian corridors by pointing out that WHO and its partners can receive and provide health care to so many civilians fleeing Mariupol.
He called on Russia to allow all remaining civilians to leave the shattered port city and all other areas where they are at “great risk”.
WHO is dealing with a range of challenges around the world – Head of WHO
Africa
Turning to the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region, Tedros said that the climate crisis, soaring food prices and food shortages are threatening to cause hunger and further insecurity.
With a large region experiencing its worst drought in 40 years, an estimated 15 million people will experience severe food insecurity in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia and continued attacks on scarce water resources. The rarity in Burkina Faso is preventing people from having access to minimal amounts of water. just to survive.
Meanwhile in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, WHO is supporting vaccination for one Ebola outbreak.
“WHO is dealing with a wide range of challenges around the world – to say nothing of our work beyond emergencies to strengthen health systems and promote conditions where people can live a healthy life”. waste of money “.
Hand wash, do not wring hands
One night before of World Hand Hygiene Dayand International Day of MidwivesTedros told reporters that WHO is releasing its first Global Report on Infection Prevention and Control.
“The simple act of washing hands can save lives, especially in healthcare settings where vulnerable patients can be exposed to infection.”
He said a staggering 70% of infections could be prevented with good hand hygiene and other “cost-effective practices”.
Simply cleaning your hands regularly, he says, “could be the difference between life and death, for you and for others.”
